The Stories We're Wired to Tell: Abbie Emmons on Creative Instincts, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and the Power of Storytelling

The Stories We're Wired to Tell: Abbie Emmons on Creative Instincts, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and the Power of Storytelling

Margo is joined by author, creative writing coach, and video creator Abbie Emmons for a conversation about the power of storytelling and why our ability to tell meaningful stories is more instinctive than we might think. Abbie is the author of three novels and YouTube's most-watched creative writing coach, with a community of more than half a million writers worldwide. Margo and Abbie explore storytelling as something fundamentally human, why compelling stories begin with internal conflict, and how we can move beyond rigid rules, perfectionism, and self-doubt to reconnect with our natural creativity. Abbie's nonfiction debut, Make Your Story Matter, releases August 11, 2026. Margo and Abbie discuss: * Why storytelling is fundamentally human and helps us make sense of life * The three pillars of relatable characters: desire, fear, and false belief * Why internal conflict drives compelling stories and meaningful transformation * How rules, expectations, and self-doubt can disconnect us from our natural creative instincts * What neuroscience and creativity research reveal about losing—and rebuilding—creative confidence * Creating from joy and curiosity rather than trends or external validation * Moving through perfectionism, overwhelm, fear, and other creative blocks * How to trust your instincts, reignite your storytelling spark, and create work that matters Connect with Abbie: www.youtube.com/abbieemmons [http://www.youtube.com/abbieemmons] www.abbieemmonsauthor.com [http://www.abbieemmonsauthor.com/] www.makeyourstorymatter.com [http://www.makeyourstorymatter.com/]

The Stories We Carry: Three Artists on Collaboration, Legacy, and the Objects That Shape Us

Margo is joined by Amy Wilderson, Brenda Olson, and Katy St. John—three artists whose distinct creative practices come together in Objects Through Time: Connection, Story, and Legacy, an exhibition exploring memory, heritage, and the unexpected stories hidden within everyday objects. Amy is a multi-media visual artist whose metalsmithing and wirework transform forgotten treasures into meaningful jewelry and sculpture. Brenda is an illustrator, mixed media artist, and founder of Blueberry Road Cards, whose work celebrates storytelling, community, and creative connection. Katy is a Minneapolis-based photographer whose imaginative images blend artistry and narrative to capture what lies beneath the surface. Together, the three discuss how collaboration across disciplines has challenged, inspired, and transformed each of their creative practices. They share how family heirlooms, found objects, and personal histories became the foundation for this exhibition, why vulnerability is essential to meaningful collaboration, and how art can preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Margo and Amy, Brenda, and Katy discuss: * How three artists from different creative backgrounds came together to build a shared exhibition. * Why ordinary objects often hold extraordinary stories of family, identity, and legacy. * The role of trust, vulnerability, and honest conversation in successful creative collaboration. * How working across different artistic mediums expanded each artist's perspective. * The balance between honoring the past while creating something entirely new. * Why taking small creative risks often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. * How they hope visitors will reflect on their own treasured objects and personal histories. * The power of art to spark conversation, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the stories we all carry. Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill] Connect with Katy, Brenda, and Amy: www.amyajewelry.com [https://www.amyajewelry.com] www.instagram.com/amyajewelry [https://www.instagram.com/amyajewelry] www.brendaolsonart.com [https://www.brendaolsonart.com] www.instagram.com/brendaolsonart [https://www.instagram.com/brendaolsonart] www.saintphoto.org [https://www.saintphoto.org] www.instagram.com/_saintphoto [https://www.instagram.com/_saintphoto]

Art for Everyone: How Liz Lidgett Combines Her Curiosity, Desire for Accessibility, and Storytelling to Promote Great Art (Replay)

In this re-aired episode Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz's passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn't being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries. It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is "Art For Everyone." Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don't have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art. Margo and Liz discuss: * What led Liz to start her own gallery * The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art * How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals * Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires * How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.) * How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc. * Her approach to buying and selling art Connect with Liz: https://www.lizlidgett.com/ [https://www.lizlidgett.com/] https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/ [https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/] https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/ [https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/] Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ten-minute-masterpieces/id1632295026]

Curiosity Over Talent: Reigniting Artistic Joy in The Kindest Corner of the Internet with Lisa Bardot

Margo is joined by Lisa Bardot, an illustrator, author, and Procreate educator who has spent the past decade helping people discover the joy of drawing digitally. She's the founder of Art Maker's Club, a thriving online membership for Procreate artists, creator of the Making Art Everyday drawing challenge, and the artist behind Bardot Brush, known for its popular Procreate brushes and tutorials. Lisa is making her second appearance on Windowsill Chats, and this time she's digging into what she's learned after years of building online creative communities — and why consistency and connection matter more than raw talent. Margo and Lisa discuss: * What Lisa has learned after years of running Making Art Everyday and Art Maker's Club, two of the most active creative communities in the Procreate space * Why people join Art Maker's Club thinking they're there to learn Procreate — and why they actually stay for the consistency, encouragement, and friendships * Why so many adults stop making art as they get older, and what it takes to reconnect with that creative side of themselves * How small, sustainable creative habits can have a bigger impact than sporadic bursts of inspiration * Why curiosity is often more valuable than talent when it comes to building a lasting creative practice * Reflections on Founder's Month and four years of Art Maker's Club — what's changed, what's stayed the same, and what Lisa's most proud of * Practical encouragement for anyone who's been wanting to try Procreate but doesn't know where to start * A look at what's coming up during Art Maker's Club's Founder's Month celebration, including live tutorials, community events, and creative challenges Connect with Lisa Bardot: * Art Maker's Club: https://artmakersclub.com [https://artmakersclub.com] * Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisabardot [https://instagram.com/lisabardot] * Procreate Brushes: https://bardotbrush.com [https://bardotbrush.com] * YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BardotBrush [https://youtube.com/@BardotBrush] Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill]

The Continuous Evolution of Creativity: Reese Emry on Growth Over Perfection, Finding Your People, and Never Settling for One Story

Margo is joined by artist and entrepreneur Reese Emry for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and following the unexpected twists of life. From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, through adventures in Waco, Round Top, and Austin, Texas, then North Carolina and Connecticut, Reese has woven creativity into every chapter of her life—flipping a "hoarder house," opening an antique shop, building a candle business, and ultimately finding her way to ceramics. Reese shares how she's learned to trust her own timing, embrace imperfection, and let her art evolve slowly and honestly, even when it doesn't fit a tidy narrative. Margo and Reese discuss: * How raising kids in a creatively infused home shapes their resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit * The leap from the Pacific Northwest to Texas, opening (and later closing) a beloved antique shop in Waco to prioritize family * Falling in love with ceramics, building a practice around what sells and what inspires, and living in a camper to keep the dream alive * The courage to pivot, move, and explore without apology—including gap years and creative breaks * Taking a chance on a booth at the Round Top Antique Show and the joy of finally connecting with the right audience * Pushing back against the pressure for fast, algorithm-driven art in favor of slow, intentional creative evolution * The influence of artists like de Kooning and Joan Mitchell, and finding inspiration in local makers and unexpected encounters * Trusting your gut over outside perceptions of what a "clean" creative story should look like Connect with Reese: ReeseEmry.com [http://reeseemry.com/] www.instagram.com/reeseemry [http://www.instagram.com/reeseemry] Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com [http://www.windowsillchats.com/] www.instagram.com/windowsillchats [http://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats] www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill [http://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill]